EU allocates EUR 3 mln for agriculture development in Ukraine

National Reform Council of Ukraine approved the 2020 Agriculture Development Strategy in December 2015

The European Union has allocated EUR 3 million to assist Ukraine in carrying out projects as part of the 2020 Agriculture Development Strategy, Deputy Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Vladyslava Rutytska told UNIAN.

"The project is designed for three years. The European Commission will provide technical assistance and help in the implementation of the 2020 Strategy. The project is worth EUR 3 million,"Rutytska said. She noted that the implementation of the 2020 Strategy would require an investment of USD 300 million.

"The project opens up an opportunity to attract donors for the programs covered by the Strategy, which are estimated at about USD 300 million,"the deputy minister was quoted as saying.

The National Reform Council of Ukraine approved the 2020 Agriculture Development Strategy in December 2015. The document was developed with the participation of representatives of the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Bank, and other countries and organizations.

The ministry expects that the implementation of the Strategy will help boost Ukrainian farm produce exports by 3-4% annually, while expanding Ukraine's food industry exports to EU markets by 5%-7%.

In addition, the Agrarian Ministry projects that putting in place the Strategy will contribute to the growth of food production by 6-8% in the country, along with a 9% increase in the manufacturing of baby food. At the same time, the ministry estimates that the consumption of basic food products in Ukraine will increase 3%-7%.